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Dayton: GOP lawmakers in denial over LGA cuts

Gov. Mark Dayton says too many legislators don't see the connection between cuts in state aid to cities and increases in local property taxes.

Dayton met with two dozen Minnesota mayors Wednesday at the State Capitol to discuss the importance of Local Government Aid.

The Democratic governor is trying to protect LGA funding in this year's budget to hold down property taxes. But he said some people at the Capitol who think the answer to the state's budget deficit for government to 'live within its means' are in denial.

"It's [a] convenient denial ... that needs to be punctured now over these next few weeks as these final decisions are going to be made," he said.

Republicans leaders have argued that property tax increases are not automatic due to LGA reductions. They say local officials must make that decision.